For this delightful Atlanta quintet, the song's the thing. On Melodyland, the Vidalias' debut, sprightly pedal steel and subtle guitar lines handsomely outfit the 11 tunes, but it's the strong, sinewy compositions themselves that stand out. A winning, startlingly earnest singer, Charles Walston pens classic, heartfelt country – vernacular tales of deceit ("Faking It"), abject woe ("End of the Night"), bright wonder ("I'm Gone") and real-life struggle ("Tokens of Affliction"). What's more remarkable about these performances is the maturity of their delivery: With no hint of flash, indulgence or novelty, the Vidalias' simple music grips the memory and effortlessly holds on. (RS 703)

PAUL EVANS